GalaxEye launches OptoSAR ‘Drishti’ aboard SpaceX Falcon‑9 (Mission Drishti)

What: GalaxEye’s 190 kg OptoSAR Earth observation satellite ‘Drishti’ launched from Vandenberg on Falcon‑9; integrates EO/MSI and SAR; LEO sun‑synchronous ~500 km; resolution ~1.2–3.6 m; ~4‑day revisit; India’s largest privately built EO satellite.

Significance:

• Private space sector: Demonstrates maturation of India’s space startups and commercial EO capabilities.

• Tech edge: OptoSAR combines optical and radar sensing for all‑weather, day/night observation useful for agriculture, disaster, maritime surveillance.

UPSC relevance: NewSpace policy, private sector in space, data sovereignty and commercial space regulation.

Practice Q: Discuss regulatory and strategic considerations as private Indian firms launch capable EO satellites abroad.